IPL auction 2024: Gujarat Titans, SWOT Analysis, available purse and remaining slots

The Gujarat Titans emerged as runners-up in the IPL 2023, showcasing their rapid rise in the league since their inception just two years ago. The team, having won their debut season, came tantalisingly close to securing a consecutive title in 2023. However, with the departure of captain Hardik Pandya, traded back to the Mumbai Indians, the Titans face challenges in strategizing and recruitment.

Shubman Gill is set to assume captaincy, inheriting the responsibility of leading a champion team at such a young age. As the IPL 2024 auction approaches, the Titans, with notable strengths and a notable purse, aim to fortify their squad with strategic player acquisitions for the upcoming season. So, here is our SWOT analysis of the Gujarat Titans.

Also read: Kolkata Knight Riders, SWOT Analysis, available purse and remaining slots

Gujarat Titans squad updates:

Released players: Dasun Shanaka, Shivam Mavi, Yash Dayal, KS Bharat, Urvil Patel, Pradeep Sangwan, Odean Smith, and Alzarri Joseph

Trade: Traded Skipper Hardik Pandya to the Mumbai Indians for INR 15 crore and an undisclosed transfer fee.

Retained players: David Miller, Shubman Gill (c), Matthew Wade, Wriddhiman Saha, Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, B. Sai Sudharsan, Darshan Nalkande, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, R. Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, and Mohit Sharma.

Purse remaining (in INR)

38.15 crore

Slots remaining

8 (2 overseas)

Gujarat Titans Strengths:

The Gujarat Titans boast formidable strengths, consisting of their world-class bowling attack and reliable middle order. Led by Rashid Khan in spin and Mohammed Shami in pace, the core remains intact, offering versatility based on playing conditions. This lethal combination has been pivotal to their success.

Their impressive chasing record, with 14 wins out of 18 since 2022, is attributed to reliable finishers. David Miller and Rahul Tewatia, supported by Rashid Khan, have proven their mettle in the closing innings with the bat. With a robust bowling unit and adept finishers, the Gujarat Titans stand as a formidable force in the IPL, poised to leverage these strengths for success in the upcoming seasons.

Gujarat Titans Weaknesses:

The Gujarat Titans face notable weaknesses as they head into IPL 2024. Shubman Gill's limited experience in leadership roles poses a challenge as he takes on the captaincy, and his ability to guide a successful franchise will heavily influence the Gujarat Titans' performance on and off the field.

Moreover, the departure of Hardik Pandya leaves a void in the top order, with the team lacking a modern-day T20 batter. Wriddhiman Saha, Kane Williamson, Sai Sudharshan, and Vijay Shankar, anticipated to form the top five, all exhibit IPL strike rates below 140, indicating a potential lack of explosiveness in the batting lineup.

Gujarat Titans Opportunities:

The upcoming IPL 2024 auction presents significant opportunities for the Gujarat Titans. After Hardik Pandya’s departure, Shubman Gill-led GT has an opportunity to groom a young and formidable squad. With a considerable budget of INR 38.15 crore, they have the chance to target explosive top-order batters like Travis Head, enhancing their batting prowess.

This auction becomes a grooming ground for the Titans to shape a competitive team, capitalising on their prior success. The combination of a successful past, a strong financial position, and the chance to infuse youthful talent positions the Gujarat Titans to make strategic moves in the auction and establish themselves as serious contenders for the IPL title in the upcoming season.

Gujarat Titans Threats:

The Gujarat Titans face notable threats in the upcoming IPL season, primarily stemming from the inexperience of newly appointed captain Shubman Gill. Gill's leadership abilities will be tested, steering a champion team in the absence of Hardik Pandya. Another concern is the lack of explosive batters in the lineup, potentially affecting their run-scoring dynamics. The team may struggle in the absence of impactful hitters.

Additionally, the Titans lack quality backups for their pacers, exposing vulnerability in the fast bowling department. To navigate these challenges successfully, the Titans need strategic planning, player acquisitions in the IPL auction, and adept management to ensure a well-rounded and competitive squad for the upcoming season.